Eliot Engel

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding to me. He is a valued member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Let me start by thanking Mr. McGovern for his hard work on this legislation. The relationship between the United States and Hong Kong is rooted in our shared values. Among them are a fierce belief in the freedom of speech, and the right to assemble. That is why the American people are so troubled by the images coming out of Hong Kong lately. Hundreds of thousands of protesters who have taken to the streets have been met with increasing violence by the Hong Kong Police Force. These pro-democracy activists faced teargas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets by the police force sworn to supposedly protect them. I remember when China took over Hong Kong from the U.K. and said that they would adhere to a system of two systems in China, and that the people of Hong Kong would have freedom like they had before to speak their mind. And here it is, probably about 20 years later, and that is already being eroded, taken away, and the people of Hong Kong see that they were promised something which isn't being brought forth from the Beijing regime. Mr. McGovern's measure would ensure that American companies are not contributing equipment for the Hong Kong police to use against protesters. This bill also calls on the police to take the steps needed to address those issues from within. When there are instances of police brutality, there must be prompt, independent investigations and proper accountability. The PROTECT Hong Kong Act shows the people of Hong Kong that the United States stands with them in their fight for their freedoms. It makes sure that American companies are not facilitating violence against brave Democratic protesters. It is a shame that it has come to this, but it is really uplifting to watch people possess enormous courage in the wake of having their lives threatened. In the wake of having their society destroyed, they stood up and they are standing up to the Beijing regime and to the people who would try to strip them of their basic freedoms. I think that we all, no matter where we are on this planet, have to admire the brave people of Hong Kong. We had the good fortune of meeting a number of the protesters when Speaker Pelosi called a press conference a few weeks ago, and we talked about this bill. It was really heartening to be able to speak to these young people one-on-one. These are young people who have shown just enormous amounts of courage. And they should know that the United States will always support them, will continue to support them, and we won't stop until the people of Hong Kong have their democracy and the freedom they deserve. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4270.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to mark a tremendous milestone for one of my constituents, Thelma Fixler of Larchmont, who is celebrating her 100th birthday on September 17, 2019. Thelma has lived an amazing life, filled with some impressive roles. Born in Buffalo in 1919, she started singing at a young age, and after winning an inter-scholastic vocal contest at the age of 15, she matriculated at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. Thelma graduated in 1942 and left Rochester for New York City to pursue a career in opera. A mezzo soprano, Thelma joined the chorus of the Broadway production of the operetta Rosalinda. She made her Metropolitan Opera debut on November 22, 1943 in Boris Godunov on opening night of the Met's Diamond Jubilee Year. This was the first time an American-born singer debuted on an opening night. Thelma sang at the Met for seven years, performing 299 times in roles including Suzuki in Madame Butterfly, Mercedes in Carmen, and numerous ``pants'' roles. Thelma met her husband Robert (Bob) Fixler, an Army Air Corps veteran and New York attorney, and the two were wed in 1950. The couple moved to Larchmont Woods in New Rochelle in 1954 with their two young sons, Michael and Peter. The family joined Temple Israel of New Rochelle, and Thelma became an active member of the Sisterhood and served as its president from 1983 to 1985. Thelma spent a number of years as a volunteer with the New Rochelle Meals on Wheels program and with the Coalition for Mutual Respect, an African American-Jewish dialogue group. After Bob passed away, Thelma moved to Larchmont in 1999 and remained an active member of her synagogue, including helping to plan monthly lunch-and-learn events. She regularly attends Met Opera live broadcasts, frequents Westchester restaurants with friends, and enjoys attending Broadway shows and shopping with her grandchildren. Madam Speaker, on this special occasion I want to personally wish Thelma a very happy 100th birthday and thank her for the years of service and dedication she has shown to the community.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I want to take a moment to recognize and honor this year's National Parents' Day Award Luncheon hosted by the American Clergy Leadership Conference in my district, New York 16. In 1994, Congress unanimously passed ``The Parents' Day Resolution''--which I cosponsored--establishing the fourth Sunday of July as an annual holiday, like Mother's Day and Father's Day. National Parents' Day this year will actually be on Sunday, July 28. The American Clergy Leadership conference is an interfaith and interracial coalition of faith leaders working together beyond denomination to strengthen marriages and families, renew communities and our nation. ACLC ministers share the vision that America should be an example to the world showing how all people can live together as one family. To mark National Parents' Day, the ACLC is promoting family as a way to support the community by upholding and awarding people who have been role models in parenting their children and serving the broader community. As Representative and a proud parent of three wonderful children, I applaud the work the ACLC is doing to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful parents we have in this amazing district. I want to congratulate this year's ACLC Awards Luncheon honorees and thank them, along with our dear friends in ACLC, for all they do every day to better our community and create a strong foundation on which our children can learn and grow.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize today Co-op City's oldest resident, Louise Jean Signore, who this year is turning a remarkable 107 years old. Louise, or Jean as she is also known to her friends and family, was born on July 31, 1912 in Manhattan. One of five siblings born to Theodore and Marie, the family moved to the Bronx in 1926, where Louise's father worked as a custom tailor to the rich and famous. Louise's mother was very social, and would host open houses on Sundays, serving waffles. Louise worked for the Mass Transit Authority for 34 years as an Administrative Assistant and retired in 1977. As a retiree, Louise loved to swim. She'd pack a lunch bag and head to Orchard Beach during the week days early in the morning. Louise did this, incredibly, into her 90's. On weekends, Louise and her sister would go dancing. In the 1940's they frequented the Essex Ballroom, Roseland Ballroom, the Savoy Manor and the ABC Club. They also traveled extensively to Europe; twice by ship to Italy and also to places like Spain. She also enjoyed domestic trips, especially to Los Angeles. Louise felt like she educated herself through her travels. Though she is now 107, Louise is not slowing down. She still loves to dance and exercise, has a great sense of humor, and is still as sharp as a whip. Louise younger sister Renee credits both of their long lives to their faith in God and their avoidance of prescription medication. Madam Speaker, I lived in Co-op City and know what makes it so special. It's the people. People like Louise Signore, who have made an indelible impact on the community. I want to congratulate Louise in reaching this incredible milestone. Here's to many more years of joy and happiness.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of the Assyrian people. On the occasion of Assyrian Memorial Day, we pay our respects to and remember those Assyrians who have lost their lives to genocide and persecution. The Assyrian people have faced systematic persecution from the early 20th century to the present day. From 1915 to 1918, 750,000 men, women, and children of Assyrian descent were killed under the Ottoman Empire, while still hundreds of thousands more became homeless and stateless refugees. In the Simele Massacre on August 7, 1933, 3,000 Assyrians were killed at the hands of the then-government of Iraq. In recent years, ISIS committed a brutal genocide against religious and ethnic minorities, including Assyrians, killing thousands of people. We will ensure these tragedies are never forgotten. I would like to recognize New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh for his work in highlighting the valuable contributions that members of the Assyrian- American community have made in my state and across the country. We must recall the commitment of the United States to promoting freedom and human rights for all people regardless of their national, religious, or ethnic identity and remain steadfast in our conviction. We must continue to speak out against injustice everywhere and contribute to a world in which all people can live without fear of genocide or persecution.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am a New York Representative whose district is about 10 miles from the World Trade Center, and I lost many friends and constituents in that horrendous attack. Many years ago, President Roosevelt stood right here in this Chamber and talked about a day of infamy regarding the attack on Pearl Harbor. Certainly, also the day of these attacks was a day of infamy, September 11, 2001. I remember days and weeks after the attacks you would just walk in my district and see burned papers sort of dropping from the clouds. It is really something that we will remember forever. We remember the brave responders. We remember the people that gave their lives so that others can live. It also told us that we in the United States have to continue to fight tyranny, have to continue to remember those poor 3,000 souls whose lives ended. It could have been any one of us. They lost their lives. So I think that this is a time for all Americans to pause and say we cherish our values. We remember the people who lost their lives, and we will always fight against oppression wherever it rears its ugly head. God bless America.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of the Assyrian people. On the occasion of Assyrian Memorial Day, we pay our respects to and remember those Assyrians who have lost their lives to genocide and persecution. The Assyrian people have faced systematic persecution from the early 20th century to the present day. From 1915 to 1918, 750,000 men, women, and children of Assyrian descent were killed under the Ottoman Empire, while still hundreds of thousands more became homeless and stateless refugees. In the Simele Massacre on August 7, 1933, 3,000 Assyrians were killed at the hands of the then-government of Iraq. In recent years, ISIS committed a brutal genocide against religious and ethnic minorities, including Assyrians, killing thousands of people. We will ensure these tragedies are never forgotten. I would like to recognize New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh for his work in highlighting the valuable contributions that members of the Assyrian- American community have made in my state and across the country. We must recall the commitment of the United States to promoting freedom and human rights for all people regardless of their national, religious, or ethnic identity and remain steadfast in our conviction. We must continue to speak out against injustice everywhere and contribute to a world in which all people can live without fear of genocide or persecution.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3352) to provide for certain authorities of the Department of State, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3352.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me first of all thank our ranking member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. McCaul of Texas, for working with me closely to bring this bipartisan piece of legislation forward. Mr. Speaker, one of our top priorities on the Foreign Affairs Committee is making sure that diplomacy is a pillar of American foreign policy. Diplomacy is the tool, Mr. Speaker, that we use around the world to defuse crises, to prevent conflicts, and to help build peace, stability, and prosperity. We use diplomacy, along with development, to strengthen friendships and to bridge divides. We invest in these efforts because they help us project our values around the world, support democracy, human rights, and our country's spirit of compassion and generosity. We invest in diplomacy and development because they enhance our security. Countries in regions that are more stable and governments that are more transparent and accountable mean that we have better partners on the world stage; they mean fewer places where conflict may erupt or extremism may take root. The violence we can forestall through diplomacy means one less place where we may need to put American servicemembers in harm's way. So you would think, Mr. Speaker, with all the tremendous dividends we see from diplomacy and development, that the Congress would make sure that our agencies and our personnel responsible for this work always have the support and resources they need and that we are working constantly to provide the tools needed to meet 21st century global challenges. That is why it is so amazing, Mr. Speaker, that the last time a State Department authorization was signed into law was the year 2002. Just think of all the issues we are grappling with around the world that we could not have envisioned 17 years ago. We are asking the State Department to counter terrorist propaganda on social media. But the last time Congress gave the State Department its legislative due was 2 years before Facebook was invented, right around the time the first smartphones were coming on the market. Let me be clear. Our diplomats have done a great job dealing with the challenges America faces, and our inability to get a State Department authorization signed into law is not for lack of trying. The Foreign Affairs Committee and the House have passed a number of bills that just did not make it across the finish line. With the bill we are considering today, I hope we are starting a new trend. It contains a wealth of good provisions. I view it as an important start in breathing new life into the comprehensive, regular authorizing work Congress should do to support America's diplomacy and development efforts. It will help the Department recruit and retain a diverse workforce so that our diplomats--our face to the world--look like the country they are representing. It will enhance our Embassy and information security to keep these dedicated public servants safe. It authorizes absolutely essential investments in Embassy security, construction, and maintenance. It will help to streamline the Department's management structure, strip out duplication, and cut away the deadwood from outdated reports. This will make sure the agency is flexible and nimble in a rapidly changing world. It will focus on smart planning and rigorous evaluation so we know we are being effective in our diplomatic efforts. Beyond what is in the bill, Mr. Speaker, I am especially proud of what this bill stands for. I have tremendous respect for our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. I salute their work in regularly passing authorizing legislation for the agencies they oversee. If we are serious about diplomacy and development as critical parts of our foreign policy and essential to our national security, then there is absolutely no reason that a State Department authorization bill should not be part of Congress' regular work. Our committee has shown again and again that we can work together in a bipartisan way to advance our country's security. We pass a lot of legislation, often small fixes around the edges to get at a particular challenge. With an authorization bill, we are sending a stronger message to our diplomats: As you carry out your critical and often dangerous work, we are going to have your backs. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are advancing this bill today, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul) for his kind words and his hard work. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. Spanberger), a valued member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for purposes of closing. Mr. Speaker, once again, let me thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul), my friend and partner, for his partnership. This legislation really does represent the product of close bipartisan work on this committee since the start of this Congress. So I wish to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul) and other members of the committee, both Democrats and Republicans. And, again, I hope with this bill's passage today, the House is turning over a new leaf. Mr. Speaker, I am committed to making sure authorizing legislation for the State Department is something we do regularly and is something that this body considers as a must pass. I am proud of our work on this bill. I want to thank my staff. I want to thank the staff on the minority side, as well. I am very proud of all of us working together as a team. I urge all Members to support this, and, again, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul). Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch), chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism, and a valued member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi), my very good friend.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank Ms. Bass and Mr. Smith for their hard work. Again, as I mentioned before, Mr. Smith is always working very, very hard to be on the side of justice. For too long, the people in Cameroon's anglophone region have been marginalized by the Cameroonian Government, and since 2017, conflict between the government and separatists have brought chaos and fear to those living in the region. This resolution supports a negotiated settlement to the conflict that respects the basic human rights of its citizens, so Cameroon can become a country that is more peaceful and stable. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bipartisan piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 358.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure. I want to start by thanking Ms. Bass and Mr. Smith for bringing forward this resolution, which calls on the Government of Cameroon and armed groups to respect the human rights of all Cameroonian citizens, to end all violence, and to pursue a broad-based dialogue without preconditions to resolve the conflict in the anglophone regions of Cameroon. Since October 2017, the region has been mired in conflict, with both the Government of Cameroon and armed separatists fighting one another and perpetrating human rights abuses. While armed actors refuse to pursue a negotiated settlement to the conflict, innocent civilians continue to suffer. According to UNICEF, more than 80 percent of the schools in the anglophone regions of Cameroon remain closed, putting at risk the future prospects of children who are being denied access to education. In addition, 1.3 million people, including approximately 650,000 children, are in need of humanitarian assistance. This resolution urges the Government of Cameroon to respect the fundamental rights of all Cameroonian citizens and follow through on initiatives developed to address grievances in the anglophone region. It also urges separatist groups to engage with Cameroonian government officials, civil society, and religious leaders to express grievances and engage in efforts to resolve the conflict and to stop committing human rights abuses and inciting violence. For several months, the Swiss Government has been attempting to mediate a peaceful resolution to this crisis, and I am pleased this resolution demonstrates Congress' strong support for a negotiated settlement. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include in the Record extraneous material on H.R. 1850.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let me start by thanking Mr. Mast of Florida and Mr. Gottheimer of New Jersey for their hard work on this legislation. The United States designated both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad as foreign terrorist organizations more than 20 years ago. It is easy to see why: Hamas is responsible for the deaths of more than 400 Israelis and at least 25 American citizens. As recently as May of this year, the group fired hundreds of rockets from Gaza into southern Israel, including at Israeli civilian areas in Tel Aviv. And Palestinian Islamic Jihad is taking credit for a number of terrorist attacks in Israel, including an attack that killed a New Jersey American student in 1995. Yet both groups, and particularly Hamas, still get cash from abroad. These funds are used to build tunnels into Israel and launch rockets at civilian populations. It is simply disgusting. No one benefits from terrorism, Mr. Speaker: not Israelis, who just want to live in peace and security; not Palestinians, who want a state of their own but are exploited by these terrorists. A Palestinian state will never be built on the backs of terrorism. Israel has the right to defend itself. The United States will continue to support that. In the meantime, we must do everything we can to prevent the loss of civilian life. That starts with cutting off the money to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This bill would help do just that. It would impose new sanctions on those who support Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the deep pockets that are enabling these groups to wage their campaigns of violence. Of course, we don't want to punish innocent civilians, so this measure includes an important exception for humanitarian and medical assistance. This bill is designed to ensure that people in Gaza get what they need and that Hamas does not. It is a good, straightforward piece of legislation. I am glad the House is considering it today, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC, July 22, 2019. Hon. Eliot Engel, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 1850, the ``Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2019.'' In order to permit the H.R. 1850 to proceed expeditiously to the House Floor, I agree to forgo formal consideration of the bill. The Committee on Financial Services takes this action to forego formal consideration of H.R. 1850 with our mutual understanding that, by foregoing formal consideration of H.R. 1850 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that our Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this or similar legislation moves forward. Our Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation and request your support for any such request. Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and I would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during Floor consideration of H.R. 1850. Sincerely, Maxine Waters, Chairwoman.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1850) to impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for Palestinian terrorism, and for other purposes, as amended.